Dahlias, also called georgines, originally come from Mexico. There they grow in moderately acidic soil where water does not accumulate. But above all, the flowers there are very warm and sunny.
Which location is optimal for dahlias?
The ideal location for dahlias is warm, sunny, sheltered from the wind (for large-flowered varieties) and provides nutritious, moderately moist soil with a pH of around 6.5. Avoid mulching to reduce moisture and pests.
A place in the sun
In order for dahlias to develop many flowers for a long time, they need a location that corresponds as closely as possible to their home. Your requirements for the location are:
- Warm
- Sunny
- Nourishing Soil
- Moderately humid
- Never completely dry
So plant Georgians in as sunny a location as possible. If you grow dahlias in a pot, place the pot on the terrace directly in the sun. The shadier the location, the fewer flowers the dahlias develop.
Provide wind protection for large-flowered varieties
Dahlias develop very small to almost plate-sized flowers, depending on the variety. You should plant large-flowered varieties protected from the wind so that the flowers do not break due to wind. To be on the safe side, you should tie them to supports.
Good, nutritious soil preferred
A soil in which dahlias feel comfortable is nice and loose so that the tubers can spread. Rain or irrigation water must not accumulate because the dahlia tubers will then rot.
Dahlias thrive best in soils with a pH value of around 6.5.
Fertilize if necessary
Before planting, you should ensure that the soil receives enough nutrients. Add compost (€12.00 on Amazon), cattle manure or horn shavings to the planting holes.
If you fertilize your georgines later, only use organic fertilizer with a low nitrogen content.
Tips & Tricks
Mulch covers are not recommended for dahlias. This increases the risk that the soil will become too moist and the tubers will rot. The mulching material also attracts snails and voles.
